Oliver’s Lodge & Spa is nestled in a country setting just outside White River in Mpumalanga. This owner-managed boutique hotel is located on the White River Country Estate and overlooks the first green of the 18-hold championship White River Golf Course.

The signature ‘home away from home’ environment allows guests to experience the marriage between Austrian flair and subtle African influences.

The bespoke hotel accommodation in upmarket rooms includes family options, as well as an in-house restaurant offering mouth-watering a-la-carte continental dishes, with our wine cellar providing the perfect venue to enjoy our raclette and fondue.

Oliver’s Wellness & Beauty Centre offers massages, face and body treatments, manicures & pedicures and waxing services.

The hotel is within close proximity to the world-renowned Kruger National  Park as well as the Blyde River Canyon and the Panorama Route, with attractions such as God’s Window, Bourkes Luck Pothols and other spectacular sights in the area. 

The Kruger Mpumulanga Airport is a mere 15 minutes drive way , making this a perfect stop over either before or after your Kruger National Park safari.

Accommodation

At Oliver’s, variety of accommodation to suit your needs is offered, including a choice of Exclusive standard and Luxury rooms, as well as Executive suites, all of which are individually furnished and decorated with a personal touch and are accompanied by luxurious en-suite facilities. Besides the dedicated Exclusive Standard and Luxury family units, additional guests are easily accommodated in the Executive Suites with extra beds. With the beautiful balmy weather we enjoy in the Lowveld, making the most of our outdoor facilities is a must!

The pool area is centrally located where guests can relax in the sun or enjoy a pool-side snacks or cocktail. Further outdoor dining options include a garden gazebo and two verandas. With the majority of rooms having access to their own private veranda, guests can also choose to unwind in their own space.

Guests looking to relax and enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail or two, have the option of either sitting in front of the fire in our beautifully appointed lounge area or in the warmer months enjoying a magnificent sunset view over the golf course from our veranda area. We also light our outdoor fire brazier on the veranda outside the bar area every evening. This has proven to be the perfect place to share fire-side stories of the highlights of the day as well as the opportunity to get to know fellow guests a little better. Guests can be assured that our on-site generator, borehole and water purification system, as well as excellent private security, provide a seamless and quality experience.

This exclusive lodge in the world-renowned Kruger National Park has private suites, each with their own private plunge pool and en-suite bathroom with magnificent views of the wilderness beyond.

The sparkling swimming pool at the main lodge area promises a refreshing dip while providing the opportunity to enjoy the rich and varied wildlife that comes to the Imbali water hole for a cooling drink.

Meals are served in the comfortable dining room where an impressive Jackalberry tree rises through the deck and Tsonga-styled thatched roof. Dinner may be served under the stars while you listen to the enchanting sounds of the surrounding bush coming alive at night.  

Safaris are conducted on the private Mluwati Concession with access to the greater Kruger National Park.

Suite ( 12 Rooms )

All 12 spacious luxury suites have en-suite bathrooms with ball and claw antique styled baths and built in showers. The private verandahs have a plunge pool with views either onto the river bed or over the Savannah grasslands.

Room facilities and amenities include:

• Safe
• Hairdryer
• Separate indoor bath and shower
• Bathroom amenities
• Insect repellent
• Umbrellas
• Air Conditioning
• Tea and coffee-making facilities

Safaris

As one of the first private concessions in the Kruger National Park, Mluwati has worked tirelessly to ensure the sustainability of this pristine wilderness that for over 100 years has been a sanctuary for over 114 reptiles, 34 amphibians and 147 mammal species, including Africa’s Big Five. With some of Kruger’s most spectacular landscapes and an extraordinary variety of wildlife, bird life and plant life within the concession, each safari experience is unique.

Guests can enjoy a morning and afternoon safari in open 4 x 4 vehicles. The early morning safaris are very rewarding with light for photography. Lions are still lively and on the move at this time, antelope are more energetic and an abundance of birds may also be seen. The afternoon safaris provide an opportunity to see nocturnal animals and perhaps even the elusive Leopard.

During the winter months the morning safaris depart at 06h00 and the afternoon safaris depart at 16h00. In summer the times change to 05h00 for the morning and 17h00 for the afternoon safaris.

Tea and coffee is served before the morning safari departs and in the afternoon you will enjoy high tea before setting off.

Guided Bush Walks

The guided bush walks allows one to get close up and have an intimate experience of the local flora and fauna. Walks are available on request. The safety of guests is top priority so guided bush walks may be unavailable if the guide deems the conditions to be unsafe for walking.

Self Drive – Kruger National Park

Guests with their own vehicles can do a self drive during the day in the Kruger National Park. The Park is home to many different mammal, reptile amphibian species and many hours can be enjoyed watching these animals in their natural habitat.

Silvan Safari is the newest luxury lodge in the Sabi Sand region of the Kruger National Park. No indulgence was ignored or level of luxury overlooked to create the world’s grandest safari experience. Located in the northern section of the spectacular Sabi Sand region, where the roar of the lion is your morning wake up call and the cry of the fish eagle your hourly reminder that every heart and soul on earth beats with the connected rhythm of these historic lands.

Silvan redefines luxury safari in Africa and the inspirational leadwood forest provides the ideal canvas for this groundbreaking lodge. The contemporary, modern architecture is slick and bold. With six extraordinary suites, and one family unit, the lodge provides an enchanting, intimate setting to immerse yourself in this forested paradise. The pure, calming energy of the Manyeleti River flows at Silvan’s doorstep, nourishing the trees and bringing life to the area. Revel in this from your own private plunge pool, watching elephants stroll by in the grandest safari pool in Africa. The design and decor, environmental impact are all state-of-the-art, yet elegantly understated.

Kierie Klapper Suite

The Kierie Klapper, also known as the bushwillow, is famed for its copper-coloured seed pods which inspired the colour tones and design elements of this suite. The rich teal of our bee eater, a notable character throughout Silvan, also leaves its signature mark.

Different textures and delicately embroidered elements are woven into every corner of this suite. A collaborative watercolor and ink line drawing adorning the wall feeds the imagination with the story of a duiker browsing the bushwillow’s leaves while lovebirds playfully flit from branch to branch.

Cassia Suite

Celebrating luxury with tones of rich, golden yellow and deep green, Silvan’s second suite takes its inspiration from the Cassia tree, affectionately known as the golden rain tree for its striking yellow flowers which ignite the African bush in summer.

The bright and inviting hue of this tree complements the unique design elements and original layout of the suite. Layered copper artworks adorn the walls with our friendly bee eater who can once again be seen making cameo appearances throughout.

Knobthorn Suite

One of Africa’s famous Acacia tree varietals, the Knobthorn is a slow growing, deciduous tree found throughout the Sabi Sand. The name comes from the characteristic knobbly bark which develops as the tree ages, making it easy to identify.

The Knobthorn suite is wheelchair-friendly, providing guests easy access to the main lodge. The soft grey tones of its bark and the fluffy, delicate, yellow bloom of its flowers have been elegantly introduced into the decor and design of the suite. Journey through the Knobthorn and relish in the restorative energy of this sturdy tree.

Blue Guarri Suite

This hardy, evergreen tree which often goes unnoticed in the bush, except for the black rhino who loves to browse its leaves, lends its spirit to this suite. While the story of the tree is a palpable theme, keep your eyes open to try find it when out on a game drive.

The gentle blue-grey tones of this suite, inspired by the Blue Guarri, create a haven of peace and calm. This energy flows seamlessly through the room with the bespoke art being a wonder to behold and the copper glow providing warmth and comfort.

Tree Wisteria Suite

One of Africa’s most strikingly spectacular trees when in bloom, the Tree Wisteria has a rounded crown with sweeping foliage cascading towards the floor. The purple-mauve flowers droop from the tree in bunches, often covering the whole tree in a dazzling purple haze.

Its intense colourings have been painted throughout the Tree Wisteria suite in grand strokes, giving it a fresh and refined feel. With an expansive layout, lavish decor and the private plunge pool set tantalisingly at the edge of the deck, this suite is definitely one to savour.

Leadwood Family Suite

A true icon of the African bush and the backdrop to Silvan Safari, the Leadwood tree is the entire inspiration behind this family suite. An extremely dense hardwood, the Leadwood is a favourite for animals who feed on its leaves but also very popular for the campfire known for its intense heat and lasting embers.

The Leadwood Suite’s majestic stone archway is the perfect entrance to greet any guest to this magnificent hideaway. However, the mighty ancient Leadwood tree emerging thought the deck, having been rooted here for aeons, is the true master of this space with the beauty of this tree proving to be utterly mesmerising.

Game Drives

A spectacular Big 5 experience

While you need look no further than the riverbed below Silvan to spot wildlife, game drives offer you the best chance to experience the incredible variety of animals which the Sabi Sand is so famous for. An early wake-up call at dawn will see you rise with the bush and its residents.

We mimic the movements of the wild, going in search of wildlife when they’re most likely to be on the move (early mornings, late afternoons, and evening) and retreating to the shade as they do for respite from the midday heat. Blankets and state-of-the-art Swarovski binoculars are available in our vehicles.

Meet Africa’s Big 5

The Sabi Sand Game Reserve shares unfenced borders with South Africa’s Kruger National Park and is celebrated for having the richest game population in the country and over 500 bird species, making it an exclusive safari destination. Guests need to look no further than the lodge itself where it has been a sanctuary for wildlife as much as it has been for its people. Our leopard, Tiyani, gave birth to her cub in our Ansellia Spa when it was just a shell while our resident elephant herds often wander through camp, drinking from our pools.

Gin Experience

From London Dry to Africa

Gin and tonic, the quintessential safari drink, has its roots dating back to its anti-malarial properties thought to stem from the quinine in the tonic. Since then, it has become an integral part of safari culture. We’ve added that special Silvan touch to classic concoctions so that our guests can savour our selection of ingredients hand-picked to perfectly pair with our signature gins from all across the globe. Sip on one of the most popular drinks in the world in the environment it was made for. Take in the serenity of your surroundings and the tranquility of the trees with each clinking of your glass.

Singita (‘place of miracles’) is world-renowned for providing the best safari experience in Africa. The balance of hospitality, conservation and community is what sets Singita apart, and has been at our core from the very beginning.

There are five lodges in two equally alluring parts of South Africa, both famous for their exquisite beauty and the chance of finding the ‘Big 5’. The founding lodges, Singita Ebony and Singita Boulders, are located within the Sabi Sand Reserve – the world’s best leopard viewing area, as well as Castleton Camp, a private 6-roomed villa that overlooks a well-frequented waterhole. Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni Lodges are found along the secluded eastern reaches of the Kruger National Park – a remote wilderness area renowned for its lion prides.

Boulders Lodge has a contemporary air of tranquillity that honours Africa in an authentic way. Inspiring the name Boulders was an enormous boulder that sat right in the middle of the place where the wine cellar was to be built. A simple decision was made to build the cellar around the boulder! Guests can enjoy wrap-around views from most parts of the natural stone lodge, and the lookout deck offers the perfect spot from which to observe wildlife drawn to the Sand River. The quiet pond alongside the thatched lounge area allows the light and the landscape inside to the wide open spaces, where straw baskets, neutral shades and textured fabrics complement wooden furniture. Singita Boulders Lodge offers twelve suites, all with their own en suite bathroom and shower, outside shower, private heated swimming pool, double-sided fireplace, mini bar and fridge, room mini safe, air-conditioning, overhead fans, private lounge, direct dial telephones and game-viewing deck.

Accommodation Details

• 12 luxurious suites (24 beds). Two of the suites are double family suites 
• Luxury air-conditioned suites consist of sumptuous bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, an expansive living area with a double-sided fireplace, mini-bar and fridge, private wooden leisure decks with a private heated plunge pool. All the suites have direct dial telephones, and the library has two computers and direct internet links. 
• The main lodge has lounge and timber deck dining areas overlooking the Sand River, a bar area and traditional open boma, gymnasium, health spa, library and wine cellar. 
• Tariffs include all-suite accommodation, all drinks, including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs (excluding champagnes), three meals per day and open Land Rover safaris accompanied by experienced guides and trackers.
• Children over 10 years old, sharing with 2 full paying adults, in a family suite, are accommodated at 50% of the rate. Children under 10 years old can be accommodated if the 2 family suites or the lodge are booked on an exclusive use basis.

Game drives

Daily game drives with professional guides and trackers provide the perfect opportunity to get up close to Africa’s incredible animals, while spot lit nighttime drives reveal the elusive magic of nocturnal Africa. Our game drives are all conducted in state-of-the-art Land Rovers, each accommodating a maximum of six guests. During your stay at Singita Sabi Sand, you are likely to spot a great variety of wildlife including leopard, lion, rhino, large herds of buffalo, elephant, reedbuck, hyena, hippopotamus, nyala, cheetah, wild dogs and many species of birds.

Guided Safari Walks

Walking safaris are an incredible way to experience the bush up close and personal. Your expert guide and tracker will accompany you as you track animals on foot through the wilderness and explore the magnificent plants and landscapes around you.

Star-gazing

There is perhaps no more transcendent experience than looking up at a full sky of sparkling stars. Man has had a love affair with the nighttime sky for centuries and with very little pollution and no city lights to detract from the stars, your view of the heavens here will be crystal clear – nothing between you and the vast African sky above.

Gym

Fully equipped gyms are available for guests’ convenience. Each facility provides picturesque views of the bush, allowing you to keep an eye on the action outside while you work out.

Swimming

Each suite at Singita Boulders Lodge comes complete with a private infinity pool as well as the idyllic swimming pool at the main lodge area.

Spa

The Singita wellness philosophy takes personal rejuvenation to a level well beyond any pampering you’ve previously experienced. All of our peaceful lodge spas, where nature provides its own special calm, present the ultimate escape, sure to restore equilibrium and peace to body and mind. Spa treatments are at an additional cost.

Singita Boutique and Gallery

Not your regular curio shop, you will find original treasures that have been gathered from all corners of the African continent. A range of collectable sculptures, home-ware and furnishings will allow you to recreate ‘the safari dream’ within your own home. Artefacts, as well as authentic carvings and jewellery created by local craftsmen are just a few of the treasures you may find to take home as gifts. Amongst beautiful museum quality, fine-art prints and works by some of the most respected artists on the continent, there are many pieces especially designed for Singita. Here too you can find a range of quality branded Singita safari wear.

We offer a worldwide shipping service so you may make your purchases at the lodges with the option to send them straight home.

Premier Wine Boutique

As one of South Africa’s most influential buyers of wine, Singita’s cellars are home to some of the most sought-after private reserves and vintage wines the country has to offer. Whether you are a connoisseur or just enjoy the occasional glass of wine, our experienced sommeliers delight in introducing guests to a vast selection of varietals from all over the world.

Through Singita Premier Wine Direct guests may purchase wines from our cellars: either to be taken home at the end of their trip or conveniently delivered to their door. As an addition to cellar purchases, we have secured allocations of highly limited, sought-after wines, including ‘Icons’, ‘Single Vineyard’ and ‘Limited Release’ wines, directly from leading wineries in South Africa. Stored in temperature-controlled cellars, these wines are unlikely to be available anywhere else.

Canine Unit Experience

Guests have the opportunity to visit the Sabi Sand Canine Unit for an interactive session where they can participate in an actual tracking exercise with a dog and handler. Guests have the opportunity to meet with a senior handler and go behind-the-scenes at the base camp and see the workings of this dedicated and specialized unit. The dogs are highly trained and able to perform multiple functions, from pursuing intruders to sniffing out rhino horn and ammunition from vehicles and bags.

Due to the sensitive and costly nature of the program, a donation amount of ZAR5,000 per person has been set. A minimum of 2 and maximum of 6 guests are allowed per demonstration.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge is the ideal destination for guests who desire an affordable safari in the heart of the Kruger’s most premier private reserve – the Sabi Sand. With views of the Sand River, Umkumbe is never short of sightings and boasts a high concentration of leopard.

The lodge can accommodate 20 people at maximum. The interleading chalets are ideal for families. A communal boma area is where guests relax after their evening safari and exchange wildlife stories about recent sightings. During the hot summer months guests can relax at the pool, which overlooks the Sand River.

Umkumbe is informal, relaxed and ideal for guests wanting an authentic safari in a premier private reserve.

Superior Suite: Zebra Suite

Zebra Suite can sleep 2 guests and is equipped with one king size bed or 2 single beds with 2 sleeper couches, an en suite bathroom with a bath and outdoor shower. This superior suite is overlooking the Sand River.

Superior Suite: Giraffe Suite

Giraffe Suite can sleep 2 guests and is equipped with one king size bed or 2 single beds with 2 sleeper couches, an en suite bathroom with a bath and outdoor shower. This superior suite is overlooking a small plains area with a small watering hole.

Superior Suite: Leopard Suite

Leopard Suite can sleep 2 guests and is equipped with one king size bed or 2 single beds with 2 sleeper couches, an en suite bathroom with a bath and outdoor shower. This superior suite is overlooking the Sand River.

Standard Rooms

There are 3 Standard Rooms, which can sleep 2 guests and are each equipped with one king or 2 single beds and have en suite bathroom with a shower only. These rooms face the Sand River. Two of the rooms are inter-leading.

Superior Suite: Lion Suite

Lion Suite can sleep 2 guests and is equipped with one king size bed or 2 single beds with 2 sleeper couches, an en suite bathroom with a bath and outdoor shower. This superior suite is overlooking the Sand River.

Superior Suite: Rhino Suite

Rhino Suite can sleep 2 guests and is equipped with one king size bed or 2 single beds with 2 sleeper couches, an en suite bathroom with a bath and outdoor shower. This superior suite is overlooking the Sand River.

Superior Suite: Elephant Suite

Elephant Suite is inter-leading with Buffalo Suite. It can sleep 2 guests and is equipped with one king size bed or 2 single beds with 2 sleeper couches, an en suite bathroom with a bath and outdoor shower. This superior suite is overlooking small plains area with a small watering hole.

Superior Suite: Buffalo Suite

Buffalo Suite is inter-leading with Elephant Suite. It can sleep 2 guests and is equipped with one king size bed or 2 single beds with 2 sleeper couches, an en suite bathroom with a bath and outdoor shower. This superior suite is overlooking small plains area with a small watering hole.

Morning and Evening Game Drives

At Umkumbe we offer two game drives per day, one in the morning that departs at approximately 06h00 and the afternoon drive at 16h00. On the morning drive there is a stop for coffee and on the afternoon drive you will stop for sundowners. After sundowners guests will get to experience a night drive on the journey back to the lodge.

The night drives allow guests the opportunity to see the nocturnal animals not encountered during the day. Your tracker uses a powerful spotlight during the night drives to search for nocturnal animals, which include hyenas, aardvarks, bush babies, genet cats and mongoose.

Game Walks

After a full breakfast guests have the option of going on morning bush walk. Walks are led by qualified and trained field guides. You will have the opportunity to track wildlife, learn about the surrounding vegetation and how to read the African bush. If you’re lucky you will enjoy a few close encounters with large predators.

Game walks are upon request and do not form part of the standard, set daily itinerary.

nThambo Tree Camp is ideal for an intimate, authentic Kruger safari. Located in the heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve and sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger; it’s rich in wildlife viewing. nThambo Tree Camp chalets are constructed from of canvas, raised wooden platforms, and topped with thatch roofs. Each chalet is eye-level with the trees and there are small balconies from where guests can game watch in the comfort of their rooms. Sleeping only 10 people in total, guests are guaranteed a personalised, memorable safari experience.

Treehouse Chalet

There are 5 identical treehouse-style chalets at nThambo Tree Camp, each elevated on wooden stilts at eye level with the trees and overlooking the open area in front of the camp. Thatched, timber structures with private balconies, en suite bathrooms, and comfortable double or twin beds. There are luggage racks, mosquito nets, clothing shelves, safes, and desks in each room. There are no fences around the camp, so care should be taken when walking from your chalet to the main lodge area and back.

Game Drives in the Klaserie

One of the main features of a safari is a 4×4 game drive. On game drives you are able to get a lot closer to big game than on a self-drive safari, as you are guided by experienced rangers and in appropriate vehicles. The animals are generally habituated to the vehicle. This enables to you to get within five to 10 metres of the large animals – and safely!

All game drives are conducted in open 4 x 4 Toyota Land Cruisers; which are perfect for photographic and video opportunities. The afternoon game drives generally leave at 16:00 and include late afternoon game spotting, a sundowner stop and a game drive that continues into the night.

Bush Breakfasts and Dinners

The team at nThambo are flexible when it comes to guests’s needs and will go out of their way to ensure a special occassion is celebrated. Bush dinners and breakfasts are often arranged over the festive season, upon request or if there is a group of friends travelling together.

If this is something you would like us to arrange, please request this beforehand.

Bush Walks

Our standard morning procedure is to take guests out on a game drive but if guests are interested we can arrange a bush walk after breakfast.

All Walking Safaris are led by qualified rangers who have had intensive specialised training in approaching dangerous game and we demonstrate how to behave when encountering animals. In addition to allowing you to view the larger mammals on foot, rangers will impart valuable knowledge about the surrounding vegetation.

A bush walk will allow you to track animals on foot and learn what types of tracks various species leave when traversing the bush. Bush walks are a great way to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Africa.